O Gladsome Light: The Earliest Christian Hymn

People like to talk about old hymns, but in truth, the oldest known Christian hymn, outside of the Bible, is a beautiful little song called "O Gladsome Light."

We sing this as part of vespers and also during the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts during Lent. Both the words and the melody are hauntingly beautiful, and it's a beautiful song of praise focusing on God.

I realize the song was originally written in Greek, but I love the English translation we use. Just the word "gladsome" sends chills down my spine.  And I love the archaic phrase "for meet it is at all times." And I love the idea of the "light of evening."  I believe it's talking about the wonderful time of twilight, when the light takes on a mystical, otherworldly essence.

Most of all, I love the way the song draws our focus toward God and not ourselves.

Here are the words we use in our church:

O Gladsome Light of the holy glory of the Immortal Father, heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ. Now we have come to the setting of the sun and behold the light of evening. We praise God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For meet it is at all times to worship Thee with voices of praise, O Son of God and Giver of Life, therefore all the world doth glorify Thee.

There are many melodies used, but this one comes closest to the one we sing in our church:

Photos of a Nativity Vigil

The Nativity Vigil is beautiful.  Click here for some some photos from the vigil at our church:

Trisagion Prayers

The Trisagion Prayers are the "bread and butter" of Orthodox worship. We say these prayers as part of our morning and evening prayers. It's good to memorize these prayers. There is power in the ancient words. I have them taped to my wall, next to my icons.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere present and filling all things, Treasury of good gifts and giver of life; come and abide in us, and cleanse us of all impurity and save our souls, O Good One.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, Have mercy on us. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, Have Mercy on us. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, Have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages, Amen.

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us, O Lord wash away our sins, O master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name's Sake.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages, Amen.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages, Amen.